North Port – 20 Year Old 1979 Rare Malts Selections (70cl, 61.2%)

This is a 20 year old Highland single malt from North Port, distilled in 1979 and released in the Rare Malts Selections series as a limited edition. It is bottled at a natural cask strength of 61.2% in a 70cl bottle, and North Port is now a closed distillery. The colour is deep gold. The nose opens grassy with hints of unripe fruit, then moves to honeydew, honeysuckle, white pepper and malt, with a touch of antiseptic. The palate starts spicy, with red chilli, white pepper, aniseed and nutmeg, before the green notes return and turn towards lemon drops and a little grapefruit. The finish is medium to long, with the spice fading slowly and honeydew and honeysuckle coming through.